Police Uncover Distribution of Hundreds of Grams of Synthetic Tobacco in East Jakarta
Jakarta — The Narcotics Investigation Directorate of the Jakarta Metro Police has uncovered a case of synthetic tobacco narcotics distribution across two different locations in East Jakarta, namely the Klender and Duren Sawit areas.
Chief of Unit 4, Subdirectorate 1 of the Metro Police Narcotics Directorate, Senior Inspector Indah Hartantiningrum, in a statement received in Jakarta on Sunday, explained that during an operation conducted on Tuesday (19 May), his team had secured two suspects with the initials I (23) and R (21).
“The evidence we have successfully secured includes 110 grams of synthetic tobacco, an electronic scale, a spray device containing chemical liquid, sealed plastic packets ready for distribution, and identification documents from the suspects,” she stated.
Hartantiningrum explained that the investigation was initiated following public information regarding alleged abuse of synthetic tobacco narcotics in the area.
“Acting on that report, the team immediately conducted an investigation and eventually managed to apprehend both suspects,” she said.
She noted that suspect I was apprehended in the Jalan Dermaga Raya area of Klender, while R was arrested on Jalan Kampung Sumur, Duren Sawit.
From the search operation, investigators discovered four plastic packets containing synthetic tobacco with a gross weight of 110.9 grams stored inside cigarette packaging and plastic clips.
Based on preliminary examination, both suspects admitted to selling synthetic tobacco through a direct meeting system with buyers via Instagram accounts using location-mapping transaction methods.
“Currently the evidence has been secured for the purposes of further investigation,” Hartantiningrum said.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Head of Jakarta Metro Police, Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto, stated that narcotics eradication is a shared responsibility.
“No matter how small the information from the public, it is very useful to the police, starting from the immediate vicinity and surroundings so we can collectively care,” said Budi.
He also requested residents to immediately report any potential threats to public security and order (kamtibmas) through the Police Call Centre on 110, which is active 24 hours a day.